Happy Family

I was working the chick when Daddy came with the offering. Unfortunately, I was set for vertical when he dropped out of nowhere plus he was looking down all the way ( with good reason, since it's a crowed place) so this is the best I could get from the exchange. Evenetually they gave the material to the chick who put it in place. I know the light is not ideal and wish for the female's eyes to be visible, but you get what is handed to you and feel grateful.
Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland

D300, 200-400/4 VR plus 2X
f/8, 1/1600, ISO 640

Hi Fab,

What a lovely family moment. The chick eye contact makes it for me.

I would certainly be grateful for this one!

Very cool moment captured! Great composition and interaction. It looks as if the chick gets squished. :) I might sharpen a tad more and maybe a slight contrast boost.

Beautiful family interaction Fabs. I too wish for better view of the middle bird's eye, but the scene as a whole works tremendously well! Look like it was tough to isolate a single nest and you did well :-)

Love the softness of this Fabs- almost like the Orton Effect!

Love it, the chick looks a little tight (not in the frame actually :D) But seriously, I love the exp, and the whole natural scene! Congratulations!

amazing Fabs, 2-400 with a 2x? Wow... I like the soft feel to the image, imo, a wonderful display of artistic talent... the exposure is excellent., I personally never "wish" for anything in an image., it is what it is., and this is fantastic., one of the best I have seen from you since I became a fan.

I just love this one Fabs! The entire family being there is such a huge plus IMO. Love the interaction between the parents and the eye contact of the little chick. I am watching this on my work computer, on which it could use a bit more saturation and or contrast. Besides that an excellent shot, congrats!

Hi Fabs,
I really like the soft, muted look of this one. The group shot is great as well as the interaction you've captured. Could maybe use a tad more contrast on the eyes/bills but I like it as is.
Steve

As people have said you take what you can get, and this was certainly worth getting!

I like very much the whole family expresion in this picture. Really a great moment
congratulations

Fantastic image Fabs, love the moment that you captured and a pretty nice result for the 200-400 +2XTC. I am going to try this combo for an article I am working on about the Nikon TCs. I always suspected that, under an adequate technique, this combo would work and you image is a nice example.

I feel the same with the Canon tcs Juan, at least the 1.4 (don't have the 2x). Fitted to the 500 f4 for example, I may get fewer keepers with the tc, but the ones that are sharp are no less sharp to my eye than without the tc (viewed at 100%). Maybe should continue discussion in equipment forum!